Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expected to start operating flights to Ormoc in February 2025, according to the Ormoc government.
Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez stated in a statement that they met with Captain Stanley Ng, the president and chief operating officer of PAL, on July 4 to talk about the new air route's launch plans.
"Ormoc is poised for a cultural and infrastructural revolution, where reliable air transportation plays a crucial role in facilitating both passenger and cargo movements," Torres said.
Long rides to Ormoc
Travelers from Ormoc currently have to travel more than two hours to Tacloban City in order to get a flight to the nation's capital, Manila.
In favor of the objective of having "reliable air transportation" to Ormoc City and the western side of Leyte Island, including Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces, Torres stated she welcomed Philippine Airlines' (PAL) intention to open the Manila-Ormoc route.
An 86-seater turboprop Q400 aircraft operated by PAL will fly to Ormoc three times a week.
The itinerary at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is still being finalized by PAL, and an announcement is anticipated soon.
Final touches
The city administration reports that as part of the PHP329 million expansion activities, the airport's runway is currently receiving final renovations.
The runway has experienced improvements in the past, including widening, strip grade correction, and asphalt overlay.
Other developments included the 2019 completion of the administration building for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the rehabilitation of the passenger terminal building that was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The airport will also be able to handle larger commercial aircraft once it is finished.
